(CNN) – While Sen. Marco Rubio's push for comprehensive immigration reform drew some derision from conservatives – particularly his support for a bill that contained a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants – the Florida Republican's fundraising spiked as the measure was debated in Washington.

In the second quarter of 2013, Rubio brought in $3 million - up 31% from his haul in the first three months of the year, according to a source familiar with his financial reports.
That brings Rubio's cash on hand to nearly $3 million - $1.97 million for his Senate re-election committee, and $980,000 for his Reclaim America PAC. Rubio will next be up for re-election in 2016.

Rubio was a member of the bipartisan Senate Gang of 8 that advanced immigration reform legislation this spring. The bill included a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants that hinged upon bolstering border security.

Many conservatives oppose such a pathway, labeling it "amnesty" for law-breakers. Rubio faced a backlash from some on the right, including conservative radio hosts and tea party groups, for his support of the measure. In an attempt to mitigate some of the anger, Rubio and fellow Republicans sponsored an amendment that would ramp up border security.

The bill was approved by the full Senate in June, including gaining the support of fourteen Republicans. Rubio was credited by many as having the conservative credentials necessary to convince some fellow Republicans to support the measure.

The legislation's progress slowed in the House of Representatives, where Republicans are split in their support for a pathway to citizenship.

soundoff(20 Responses)

"That brings Rubio's cash on hand to nearly $3 million – $1.97 million for his Senate re-election committee, and $980,000 for his Reclaim America PAC. Rubio will next be up for re-election in 2016."

That brings Rubio's cash on hand to nearly $3 million – $1.97 million for his Senate re-election committee, and $980,000 for his Reclaim America PAC. Rubio will next be up for re-election in 2016.

July 16, 2013 10:05 am at 10:05 am |

Rudy NYC

A fund raising spike. Money, now that might convince some Republicans to "evolve" their positions on immigration.

July 16, 2013 10:06 am at 10:06 am |

Lynda/Minnesota

"That brings Rubio's cash on hand to nearly $3 million – $1.97 million for his Senate re-election committee, and $980,000 for his Reclaim America PAC. Rubio will next be up for re-election in 2016."

Oh, my. Reclaim America. It has a very negative sounding appeal ... yes?
Poor Mr. Rubio wants sooo bad to be a real player.
The dear little man just can't seem to get past first base....

July 16, 2013 10:16 am at 10:16 am |

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA -aka- Take Back The House -aka- No Redemption Votes

If he garnered any independent support for pushing immigration reform, he's about to lose it & much more by pushing his anti-choice legislation. Republicans haven't learned to stay out of women's womb.

July 16, 2013 10:17 am at 10:17 am |

Guess

Sad, just sad

July 16, 2013 10:22 am at 10:22 am |

Data Driven

Looks like some rather rich Somebodies are sending a message to the "tea party", to wit, "Rubio's our boy."

July 16, 2013 10:31 am at 10:31 am |

Sniffit

" Reclaim America. It has a very negative sounding appeal ... yes?"

Yep. Question is, who took or stole it? I think we know who the GOP/Teatrolls mean when they babble about "taking America back" and variations thereof. It's not exactly hard to figure out.

July 16, 2013 10:34 am at 10:34 am |

Lynda/Minnesota

"Republicans haven't learned to stay out of women's womb."

I'm guessing if they can no longer control the women the next best thing for them is to control the woman's womb. It is all very condescending, I know. No doubt GOPers live and breath their own condescension as their special God given right. No other way to explain this fascination they have with female reproduction. Seems to be a rather strange turn on for them. Female reproduction, that is.

July 16, 2013 10:38 am at 10:38 am |

Rick McDaniel

I don't see him being able to win the nomination. He went against what was best for the country, and that cannot be justified.

July 16, 2013 10:39 am at 10:39 am |

Rudy NYC

When conservatives talk about "Reclaim America" or "taking our country back", what are they talking about? Take the country back from who, what, or wherer? When did it get "taken"? Does this have anything to do with another puzzling refrain among the more extreme conservatives, "not one of us"?

How come we have never heard any of this sort of rhetoric before we had our fist black POTUS? Coincidence?

July 16, 2013 10:40 am at 10:40 am |

ghostwriter

Meaning that he will support this in quiet while being against it in public. Sounds about right.

July 16, 2013 10:40 am at 10:40 am |

NEVER to VOTE REPUBLICAN again

Wolf in sheep,s clothing, Mr. Rubio is!

July 16, 2013 10:44 am at 10:44 am |

Rudy NYC

Rick McDaniel wrote:

I don't see him being able to win the nomination. He went against what was best for the country, and that cannot be justified.
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Does anyone know what this coded language means? Inquiring minds want to know.

July 16, 2013 10:47 am at 10:47 am |

rs

Not at all unlike the huge spike in fundraising by Democrats in Texas after their Taliban-like anti-abortion bill. Republicans need to wake up here. Americans want two things: Moderation and Leadership. Right now their party does neither.

July 16, 2013 10:48 am at 10:48 am |

rs

When conservatives talk about "Reclaim America" or "taking our country back", what are they talking about? Take the country back from who, what, or wherer? When did it get "taken"? Does this have anything to do with another puzzling refrain among the more extreme conservatives, "not one of us"?
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Sometimes I wonder if they want to go back: 1950, 1920, 1880, 1850, and so forth. They are against Science, pro-robber-barron, want to take rights back from minorities and women (who also "knew their place"). Maybe they harken to that more gentle time when only the landed gentry had full rights, and the rest of us were beholdin', lived poor and died young.

Certainly their current slate of legislative actions suggests only that.

July 16, 2013 10:51 am at 10:51 am |

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA -aka- Take Back The House -aka- No Redemption Votes

I don't see him being able to win the nomination. He went against what was best for the country, and that cannot be justified.
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Does anyone know what this coded language means? Inquiring minds want to know.
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Now Rudy! You already know that's code talk for "White Conservative Amerika."

Rubio will be very lucky if he keeps his senate seat after midterms and only represents the teaparty losers, So what about the rest of us moron. Why would we vote for you?????

July 16, 2013 11:29 am at 11:29 am |

Fair is Fair

Name jk. Sfl. GOP conservatives,the garbage of America.

Rubio will be very lucky if he keeps his senate seat after midterms and only represents the teaparty losers, So what about the rest of us moron. Why would we vote for you?????
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Rubio's seat isn't up until 2016, Einstein.